7th Group Sergeant Killed in Hunting Accident on Eglin

In Brief:

📖 What: The sergeant was fatally shot in a suspected hunting accident involving a stray bullet
📅 When: Sunday morning
📍 Where: Eglin Air Force Base’s range, Northwest Florida
❓ Why: Investigations point to a possible stray bullet from recreational hunting activities on the range

A member of the Seventh Special Forces Group has died after he was shot in the hip while driving on Eglin’s Range Sunday morning.

A source with knowledge of the situation says that the sergeant was shot and killed by a stray bullet in what appears to be a hunting accident on the Eglin range. The sergeant was off duty when the incident happened – and the source did not give the soldier’s identity, nor will we release it as we are not certain next of kin have been notified.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Agents and the Air Force’s Office of Special Investigations are investigating the incident.

This killing is the first death of this kind on the range since 2020 when another person was killed on the range.

According to the same source, the Air Force installation commander, Brigadier General Mark Massaro, is in deliberations about changes to the use of Eglin range land for hunting in the immediate future. We’ll update this story if and when the Air Force announces any changes changes. As of this writing, the Air Force has not made any policy changes concerning hunting on base.

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About Range Use on Eglin Air Force Base.

The Bob Sikes Act of 1960 requires the United States Air Force to make Eglin range land available for recreation. Congress named the act for Congressman Bob Sikes, Eglin Air Force Base’s, and most of Northwest Florida’s representatives in Congress for almost 40 years – between 1941 and the late 70s. He served as the chair of the powerful House Appropriations Committee for many years before he was accused and reprimanded by the U.S. House of Representatives for alleged financial misconduct in 1976. He decided not to run for re-election in 1978.

Jackson Guard maintains and coordinates the use of Eglin Range for recreational activities like hunting, camping, boating and other activities.